ECHIGO SHUZO

Beginning as a brewpub, Echigo was Japan's first brewpub. They have led the industry for 20 years, producing quality craft beer and bringing the taste of good beer to Japan, and now hope to bring these excellent Japanese beers to beer fans across the globe.

History in Europe

The founder of Echigo Beer had spent several years working as a stage actor in Europe from the late 1970s to the 1980s, living apart from his parents who ran a sake brewery in Niigata. While studying clowning and dance, and performing in theaters and films based in Rome, Italy, he met a German picture book artist. During vacation seasons, he visited her hometown of Regensburg, where he experienced the rich and diverse culture of German beer. Inspired by this, he later sought to bring that same culture to Japan, starting from his home in Niigata. This marked the beginning of Echigo Beer.

The brewery’s trademark illustration—a smiling male goat holding a beer—was drawn by the German artist. In Germany and the Czech Republic, the male goat is a traditional symbol of vitality, harvest, and business prosperity.

Today, Echigo Beer remains true to its founder’s story and vision. The team strives to be vivid performers on the stage of Japanese—and even global—beer culture. Everyone who works at Echigo Beer speaks of their own dreams, playing the lead in the drama of their lives. And most importantly, they hope to support others in their journeys as well, cheering on every unique story.

PRODUCTS